SPEAR PHISHING ATTACK
Email is an essential tool for many users. It is a means of communication widely used by both individuals and companies. It offers a wide range of possibilities and we can also use it on multiple devices. The point is that it is also a type of platform through which hackers introduce their threats. Especially in recent times, different methods of generating conflict have emerged. But to stay on safer side always have Protegent total security on your device and many more points we will talk about to avoid Spear phishing.
As we know, a Phishing attack is that technique by which a
cybercriminal seeks to steal users' passwords. Basically they pose as a company
or service and in this way seek to gain the trust of the victim. They may ask
that we change the password, fill out a form or send information of some kind.
These are usually generic emails. It can also come through
SMS or even through social networks. It is a message that is often translated
into several languages. We may even receive emails of this type from a supposed
bank where we do not have an account.
However, Spear Phishing goes beyond that. This type of
attack is based on the analysis of the hackers. They investigate the victim,
learn about their tastes, their daily operations, information they can collect,
etc. In this way, they manage to capture the victim's attention even more.
Why is it more dangerous than normal Phishing attacks? A
simple phishing email is easier for you to miss. That is to say, let's say we
receive a message like "dear customer", "we need you to confirm
your password" ... Now let's say we receive another one sent directly to
us. For example, calling us by our name and surname, informing us of an alleged
irregularity on a platform where we have an account, etc. Data that, in short,
are real. This makes it easier for the victim to believe that there really is a
problem and that they must act.
How
Spear Phishing Works?
Hackers basically use four stages when carrying out Spear
Phishing attacks. The first stage is to identify the target. That is to say,
from among all the options they can have, they select a series of users who
really fit the campaign they are going to carry out. They try to make their
emails go only to those possible victims who can really take the bait and fit
what they are looking for.
The next point we can say is to analyze the objective. This
step consists of collecting all kinds of information about how you act, your
tastes, possible services or platforms you use, etc. In short, learn more about
that person to create a more personal attack.
The third step is to capture all that information that they
have previously collected. It is the "customization" process. Make that
attack more personal, including all the information and data they have been
able to collect.
Finally, the fourth step is to prepare the attack and
ultimately send the emails. This is how a Spear Phishing attack runs.
How
Can We Avoid Being A Victim?
Fortunately, this type of attack will always require user
interaction. That is, for many fraudulent emails of this type that we receive,
if we do not execute something, if we do not take an action, we will not suffer
any problems.
That is why common sense in this type of case seems
fundamental. We are talking about always being alert to any mail we receive,
never accessing links that are sent to us by these means, not downloading
attachments that may be suspicious, never responding to an email of this type,
etc.
But also, beyond common sense, it is important to have our
devices protected. We never know which file may reach us and download it
unintentionally, or if we access a page that contains malware. For this reason,
it is also vital to have Protegent total security
software.
In the same way, it is interesting to have our devices updated. A way to always keep the latest patches and correct possible vulnerabilities that may be exploited by hackers to deploy their attacks.
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